Evaluation of insulin resistance and its associated risk factors: Identification of adolescents at higher risk for diabetes

Abstract

Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic diseases. It is a decrease response to the effect of the hormone, mainly by the liver, skeletal muscles and adipose tissues. Despite its widely reported prevalence among the elderly, information on its prevalence among adolescents is relatively limited. The study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of insulin resistance and its contributing risk factors among the students of a tertiary institutions in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of 260 students who consented to the study were recruited, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting blood insulin (FBI) levels were determined, anthropometric data were collected using meter rule, flexible tape and digital scale for calculation of body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio (WHR). A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and information on lifestyle. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were also measured. The findings showed a 5.4% prevalence of insulin resistance with more in males than in females. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics were found to positively correlate with HOMA-IR. A strong association (p < 0.05) was observed between HOMA-IR and lifestyle. The differences in the levels of HOMA-IR within and between the various groups of participants were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) except in gender. The findings of this study may have potential implications with regards to strategies for amelioration and prevention of insulin resistance amongst adolescents.